Medical Consultations, A Neglected Topic in Periodontology: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate in detail the consultation forms of patients presenting to the periodontal department of a dental faculty hospital. Material and method: The forms were analyzed in two parts: the consultation request and the response. Demographic data and the department for which consultation was requested were evaluated in the request part. In the response section, precautions taken during dental treatment (antibiotic prophylaxis, etc.) were investigated. The readability and repetition of the consultation were also studied. Results: The analysis was performed on 505 forms from 430 patients. Recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis, preventive medication, or change of medication regimen were made in 50.3% of the forms. Antibiotic prophylaxis was recommended in 68 forms (13.5%). Of the recommended infective endocarditis prophylaxis, 38.9% were by American Heart Association guidelines. In the readability evaluation, 93.7% of the request sections were understood at the first reading, while the readability level of the response was 66.9%. It was seen that 47 forms (9.3%) were insufficient and repeated. Conclusion: Healthy communication between dental and medical disciplines should be promoted through regular education, and clinicians should be aware of the new guidelines. In addition, medical consultations should be integrated into structured forms or digital workflows.